Striking the balance when less

Stephen Crafti

Keep it simple: This northern beaches home is perched on a cliff face. Photo: Justin Alexander.

Minimalism requires an extremely deft hand. Leaving out certain details is as important as what appears. And rather than focusing on superfluous detail, fine minimalist homes celebrate the ever-changing light and shadows.

On the northern beaches, this large home is on a cliff face. Fronting the ocean, the glass, steel and concrete structure replaced a modest 1950s cottage. "This house sat directly in the middle of the double block. It didn't take advantage of the views. But there wasn't sufficient room for the owners, a retired couple, who regularly have family and friends staying over," says designer Richard Peters, associate director of Tobias Partners.

As there is a 30-degree slope on the site, Tobias Partners designed two pavilions, both accessed from a steel bridge from the street. One pavilion has guest rooms with views of the established gums and landscaped garden.

Photo: Justin Alexander.

The other, designed primarily for the owners, has spacious open-plan living areas, and a main bedroom with ensuite. And directly below are additional bedrooms. The lowest of the three levels has a rumpus room and kitchenette. To ensure living spaces enjoyed the light and views, service areas, such as bathrooms and laundry are closest to the cliff face.

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To capitalise on the water views and northern aspect, the architects included large terraces. The pool, designed across the site, appears to ''trace'' the edge of the property. "We kept the detailing as simple as possible," says Peters, pointing out the rhythm of black steel columns framing living areas. As minimal is the kitchen, with its limestone island bench simply framed by sliding white timber doors, which conceal kitchen operations.

Details, such as cupboard handles, are concealed. The limestone floors give the impression the island bench has been carved into the space rather than added.

As restrained is the lounge: the open fireplace is built from a black steel plate ''cut'' into a wall. And although there is ample built-in storage, the joinery appears recessive.

"There are numerous examples where minimalism doesn't work. The spaces appear empty and there's very little to get excited about. With minimalism, there should be layers that add richness, even though these may be subtle," says Richards, who was also mindful of not overshadowing the views of the ocean and garden setting.